‘The Grid’: new office development to foster agile working and innovation

M&G Real Estate has unveiled plans for its £100m office development – The Grid – on the former Corunna House site in Glasgow city centre. Providing 277,500 sq ft of Grade ‘A’ space over 12 levels, The Grid will be a welcome boost to the city’s commercial property market and aims to deliver a best-in-class workplace, rivalling new schemes in London and elsewhere in the UK.

Designed by Glasgow-based architectural firm Cooper Cromar, The Grid will cater to the needs of the modern occupier. Well-being is at the core of the design with a double height space accommodating a multi-use reception, café and concierge service. Oversized stairs will double as an auditorium or events space and can be used for agile meeting areas for small groups of people alongside co-working areas and break out spaces.

Panoramic views from south facing terraces on the top three floors frame unrivalled views across the city and a private double height sky garden provides a focal point on the tenth floor. The Loft – a communal business lounge and garden at roof level, provides another inspiring space to meet, unwind and take in the view.

Eight destination control lifts will serve office floors ranging from circa 20 – 24,000 sq ft, which will be presented as a blank canvas for occupiers to create spaces specific to their individual requirements.

Outside, the new main entrance on the corner of Cadogan Street and West Campbell Street will be enhanced by an improved public realm, widened paving, trees, seating, a building drop-off point and a dedicated street level cyclist entrance.

M&G Real Estate is targeting a ‘Gold’ WELL certification from the International WELL Building Institute, and EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ratings. The building has already been awarded Scotland’s second ever WiredScore Platinum rating, which is the highest standard in market leading accreditation for digital infrastructure, technology and connectivity of office buildings. Access to superfast broadband and agile working areas will enable mobility and enhance innovation for occupiers.

William Badger, asset manager at M&G Real Estate, says: “Ways of working are changing fast, and so must the buildings we create. By creating flexible workspace platforms that are built to the highest environmental and digital infrastructure standards, we are aiming to deliver some of the best office space on offer within the city. We are very excited to present our vision to the market and we believe we have created something that is truly special in the Grade A supply constrained Glasgow market.”

Demolition of the existing structure is planned for later this year, with completion planned for late 2021. JLL and Knight Frank have been appointed as letting agents.